OH SB278

Establishes presumptive parole eligibility under which prisoners presumed eligible for parole unless parole board determines specific disqualifying factors exist, including serious institutional infractions, extended restrictive housing placement within the preceding year, or high security classification.

Requires parole board to adopt uniform standards for parole decisions within 90 days to promote fairness and consistency, including evidence-based risk assessment tools and recidivism evaluation.

Grants prisoners right to counsel at all parole hearings and prehearing interviews; counsel may participate fully at hearings including questioning witnesses and presenting information.

Requires parole board to provide prisoners full access to official records and materials considered in parole decisions prior to hearings, with victim personally identifiable information redacted if necessary to protect safety and privacy rights.

Makes parole decisions subject to appeal under Chapter 119 of the Revised Code as "adjudications"; requires written records and transcripts of all proceedings; establishes that parole board records are public except for victim identifying information.